by Dana T., Content Manager
The first time I went to Sting Ray City on Grand Cayman, I stood on the boat, looking out at the crystal clear water thinking it was about the most beautiful place I had ever been until I noticed the large sting rays swimming towards the boat. As I watched them swim closer, I could see the Southern Sting Rays in more detail. My first thought was, "I'm paying money to swim with these things on purpose?!"

At this point I was an experienced snorkeler, but hadn't gotten certified as a diver, so this was the most menacing aquatic environment I had encountered! I took my time getting into the water and was extremely careful not to put my feet down in the sand for fear I'd step on one of the string rays and they would get even by stinging me with the stinger attached to their long tail. This was rather difficult because when you go to Sting Ray City on a snorkeling boat, they put the boat down in very shallow water. But once I watched the way the sting rays interacted with the other swimmers, I began to relax and enjoy this amazing experience.

The story behind Sting Ray City is that the local fisherman began cleaning their catch just inside the cut in the reef on the north bay because the waters were so calm there. The sting rays would gather around the boats and feed. Needless to say they came to expect the regular food supply from the fishing boats. Then a local diver heard about the sting rays and decided to see if he could get the sting rays to take food from him. I hear it took a while, but eventually the sting rays came to accept people getting in the water and feeding them as the norm. They certainly did when I was there.

I watched the divemaster take a small piece of frozen squid from a covered container hanging in the water. He held it in his hand and turned in circles in the water. The sting rays gracefully followed him in circles, trying to get to the frozen snack. The concept is to use the squid for a while to attract the sting rays and interact with them. Then, when the time is right, to open your hand and let the sting ray suck the squid out of the palm of your hand. It was like a graceful ballet to watch. Unfortunately, I didn't quite get the hang of removing a small piece of squid from the container without letting a sting ray get it right away &and I was a little squeamish about touching the sting rays. Next thing I knew my hour was over and it was time to get back on the boat.

A year later, I went back to Grand Cayman and back to Sting Ray City. This time I arrived with my brand new scuba certification card and a feeling of bravery that I would swim with the sting rays with the grace and expertise of the dive masters. After all I had survived four certification dives in the murky waters of a Texas lake. Surely I could deal with a couple stings rays in the clear, warm waters of Grand Cayman.

So I went back out on the boat, this time with my dive gear and got in the water with the dozen or so sting rays circling the boat. I found it easier on a dive boat because they anchor in about 15 feet of water &which means I wasn't likely to step on a sting ray. First I played like I had food and the sting rays swam around for a minute. But I quickly learned that the sting rays have bad eye sight, but an excellent sense of smell because they deserted me for those fellow divers who didn't mind the slimy feeling of frozen squid in their hands. At that point I had to go through with it or I wouldn't have bragging rights when I returned home from vacation.

I swam over to the container of frozen squid, took out a piece and began the dance of enticing the sting rays and swirling around in circles until they got close enough to convince me to let loose of the frozen appetizer. "Wow! That was pretty cool," I thought to myself since needless to say I couldn't tell anyone about it 15 feet under the water. So I tried it again and again. At the end of the hour I felt like I had pretty well mastered the art of feeding the friendly sting rays and was completely comfortable with them circling around me.

Now I go back to Sting Ray City every time I go to Grand Cayman which is about once a year. You'd think it was one of those tourist things that once you've been there and done that, there is no need to go back. But I have met countless people who go back every time they visit Grand Cayman. I've even met one couple on a boat to Sting Ray City two years in a row!

There is so much more to see and do in Grand Cayman but I'll save that for another story. For now, take my word for it, Sting Ray City is a must-see in Grand Cayman. And I tell you I'm not the most adventurous person around! If a chicken like me can enjoy it so, so can you!

How do you get to Grand Cayman? Book your travel on Travelocity.com. There are hotels in many price ranges from the very basic to the extremely luxurious. I have stayed at both the Marriott and the Sleep Inn.

How do you get to Sting Ray City? Book your trip with any of the many professional dive/tour companies on the island. Most hotels have a dive shop on the premises. I personally have been to Sting Ray City with Don Fosters Dive Cayman several times and once with Parrot's Landing. Both are outstanding operations.

Photography by: Dana T.